The graphical geometry in the plan, through which the nodal points arrive, is reflected in the elevation and building form. The derivation of the form is through the methodology of the cubist geometry as practiced and followed by us.
Sangeet Sharma & Purnima Sharma
The building block is embraced by an ambient corridor, which is also the carrier of services. Services are the backbone of the laboratories and are therefore arranged, protected, placed and assembled in these corridors. Ample light from two sides floods the laboratories. Plus, the maintenance and management of services is independent and does not interfere with the clean and sterile environment inside.
The foyer is an inviting space that includes a reception area, a lounge and waiting areas, and signage, while the porch lights up the entrance at night with its coffered ceiling with lights. Lifts in the lobby and a fire escape staircase with wide, comfortable risers, ensure safety. Since there are no duct pipes or service facilities inside the rooms, it eliminates the need for concealment by false ceilings.
Fact File
Location: SAS Nagar, Punjab
Built-up Area: 70000 sq.ft.
Plot Area: 0.75 Acres
Completion: 2024
Prime Agency: PWD (B&R), Provincial Division, SAS Nagar
Photography: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj, Govind
Vitrified Flooring Tiles: Kajaria, RAK, Somani
Granite Flooring: Baroda Green
Wall Panelling: Alstone
Furniture: Godrej, Spacewood
Lighting: Promp, Greeves, Philips
Landscaping: PWD Horticulture Department
Mineral Fibre and Metallic Ceiling: Armstrong
Kitchen: Spacewood
Corridor Jalli: Unistone GRC Jaallis
Terracota Tiles: Hunter Dougles
Fenestration: Jindal Aluminium,Technal Aluminium
Railings & Hinges: Dorma
Skylight: (Polycarbonate): Alucobond
Elevators: Thyssenkrupp
The approach to the building is very critical as it reveals the building’s form and character in a very dramatic way from both sides of the road, while a 6m fire tender road is provided all around the site. The north-west facing side of the building enjoys the best in terms of the climate hence all the working areas are spread over in this side. The sciography created by the different geometrical forms and projections, which are the salient innovations in architecture, and where the play of light makes a lasting impact on the viewer.
Since the corridors serve the laboratories with intricate machineries placed along them, they are designed for easy approach with a separate entry point and can also be accessed from the back for maintenance and installation of the lab machineries.
By doing this, we have left the basement (with Trimix flooring) vacant, which otherwise would be packed with machineries. This not only enhances the building block but also identifies the service corridors which are an integral part of the design.
The form is suddenly broken and intercepted by cuboids in the triangular porch. A thoughtfully designed conference room with a capacity of 50 persons, also projects out in a triangulation that breaks the square monotony of the plan. Above it is the terrace which gives a different dimension to a typical laboratory and also acts as a refreshing area for the scientists and the staff.
